Aberdonian coffee fans will be full of beans at the news the city’s first drive-through Starbucks has been given planning approval.
The Seattle-based coffee giant had applied to council chiefs for permission to build the shop, with a drive-through takeaway, in the grounds of the Makro in the Wellington Industrial Estate near Cove.
Officers recommended councillors approved the application when it came before the planning development management committee yesterday.
But members differed in their views and a row broke out over whether to grant the application.
Nigg Community Council had previously objected to the development citing fears over the safety of children at the planned South of the City Academy and an “overprovision” of catering outlets in the area.
Kincorth, Nigg and Cove councillor Andrew Finlayson said he was worried the addition of the shop could lead to “pinch point traffic” building up on the industrial estate.
He said: “I think we should reject this on the grounds of safety”
Fellow ward councillor Neil Cooney added that he wasn’t sure that driving while drinking coffee was “a good idea”.
And the chorus of rejection calls was added to by the council’s depute leader Marie Boulton.
The Lower Deeside member said: “We have to put safety above commercial concerns- you only have to look at Starbucks near the council to see how many people go there in the morning.
“An alternative site should be suggested.”
But it was argued that officer predicted around 75% of trips to the cafe would also include visits to other nearby outlets.
Moving the motion for approval, planning convener Ramsay Milne said: “Because of the size of the building I don’t think it would be unreasonable to push ahead.”
The motion was carried by nine votes to eight.
A spokeswoman for Starbucks said: “This new store will provide an attractive and convenient stop for great quality coffee, creating around 20 new jobs for local people.
“We are looking forward to welcoming the community to the store and excited to be part of the further regeneration of the area.”